Are you craving a warm, gooey cookie that's both incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This recipe for chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening delivers on all fronts. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists; this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, offering a delightful treat that's sure to become a family favorite. These cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and chewy, with the added crunch of colorful M&Ms making them irresistible. Get ready to dive into a world of delicious homemade goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) shortening
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups M&Ms candies (plain or peanut, your choice!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step, but you can also use good old elbow grease!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
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Add the M&Ms: Gently fold in the M&Ms. Resist the urge to overmix here, as it can cause the cookies to spread too thin.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies:
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature ingredients will blend together more easily, creating a smoother dough.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Experiment with M&Ms: Use different colors, flavors, or a mix of plain and peanut M&Ms to personalize your cookies.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the M&Ms for a double dose of deliciousness.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on ingredients and size)
- Fat: Around 8-10g
- Sugar: Around 15-20g
These chewy M&M brown sugar cookies with shortening are a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. From quick after-school snacks to impressive dessert offerings, this easy recipe guarantees a batch of delicious homemade cookies everyone will love. Enjoy the baking process and the sweet rewards!